Gerald Cormier
CORMIER, GERALD "GERRY"
Gerald "Gerry" Albert Cormier, aged 73, died peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2015.
Gerry was born in Dorchester, NB, on November 10, 1941, to Richard and Anida (Lemenager) Cormier. He was followed by three sisters who admired and adored him. Known to many as Butch, Gerry graduated with distinction from Saint Joseph’s College. He worked in the finance department of Lounsbury’s in Richibucto, NB, for a short time, and then went on to the accounting department of the Canadian National Railway, at offices in both Moncton and Campbellton, NB. He was a member of the Campbellton Jaycees, a founding member of the Maritime Golden Retriever Club, and a life member of the Moncton Kennel Club. But his real work, the legacy he leaves behind, was his rich family life.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of more than 50 years, Linda (Wheaton). He was a proud, loving father and grandfather to their son Gerry (Lois Prosser) and granddaughters: Kirby Lee, Jessica and Anna-Beth; and their daughter Cathy (John) Denovan and grandchildren: Cole and Emma; all of Fredericton. And though he teased them incessantly, he will be deeply missed by his sisters: Lucille Farmer (Jacques), Gatineau, QC; Andrea Lorette (Gerald), Moncton, NB; and Alberta Hicks (Donald), Fredericton, NB; and all of his nieces and nephews, in-laws, other family, and friends.
His love of nature was more than evident at their home in Grand Digue, where he lovingly and meticulously cared for acres of landscape and planted more than 2,000 trees. Many can’t think of him without also thinking fondly of the ocean and the beach. He and Linda happily made their home in retirement at Le Rivage, where he was VP of the condo association. And a man who, at various times, had cared for horses, cows, chickens, dogs, and litter upon litter of puppies, he was a man with a genuine love of animals. His love of travel fuelled 18 winters in Florida (where he made many dear friends) and countless cruises, but he also enjoyed road trips with family exploring the coasts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. And his deep love of family and the special relationship he had with his immediate family created a very special extended family. He was usually the host of cherished family gatherings—lobster boils, BBQs, birthdays, weddings, and get-togethers for absolutely no reason at all—and his home was always open to family and friends. He loved a good lobster feed or tray of oysters, but was always willing to share. Friends and family will remember him as a selfless man with a kind, generous heart; a relaxed, easy manner—and a bit of a twinkle in his eye. Someone who was genuinely interested in other people’s lives, who made wonderful caring friends wherever he went. A gifted conversationalist, Gerry could talk to anyone about anything, and he was always interested in whatever you had to say. And with his sharp sense of humour, he had a gift for making everyone laugh.
The family gatherings will still take place, the Cormier door will always be open, a lobster roll or a bowl of chowder will always be shared, funny poems and limericks will continue to be written, trips and memories will be made, and there will always be a good laugh. But there will also be something missing, a void where someone very special once was.
Gerry was one of the good guys, as they say, and was an easy person to love. And boy, was he indeed loved!
The funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mercy, 11 St. Andrews Road, Pointe-du-Chêne on Saturday, February 7th 2015 at 11am. The family will receive condolences on Friday, February 6th from 7 to 9pm only at Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, 396 Main Street, Shediac (532-3297).
In memory of Gerald, a donation to the Crohn’s Disease of Canada or to the Ileitis and Colitis Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
Cremation and funeral arrangements are under the direction of Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, Shediac (532-3297).
Online condolences may be forwarded through our website at: www.frenettefuneralhome.com